Issue - meetings

Update by Murray Rodgers, West Coast Motors

The Forum considered the submitted leaflets on the bus service ‘Pingo’; an app which allows customers to book a shared journey not served by the bus service at that particular time. It operates within the West Coast Motors, Dunoon and Cowal network and acts like an on demand response service. Murray Rodger, West Coast Motors, further advised the Forum that the service was developed as part of the green recovery to encourage people away from single occupancy car trips. Users can book, pay and track vehicles online with the option of calling the helpdesk to assist with the app and to book journeys for those that do not use a smart phone. The Forum noted that the service has the support of local businesses and if it continues to be a success it is hoped that it can be extend to other locations dependent upon demand.

Outcome

The Forum noted the information.

In his absence the Contract Manager submitted an update which advised that the Dial-a-Bus was back up and running and that he was currently working on some publicity material. Once completed these will be disseminated to the Forum for feedback and thereafter wider circulation.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

Having submitted his apologies the Contract Manager circulated the below update in advance of the meeting;

We are working on a new leaflet and poster, now that the Dial-a-Bus is back to operating full time. We will disseminate this to forum when it is complete. Currently scheduled to come out along with other timetable publicity material in time for next Summer season. I appreciate that this has been on the agenda for some time, but we are currently prioritising replacing at-stop timetable panels across Argyll and Bute on the run up to Christmas.

Outcome

The Forum noted the position.

The Forum discussed the submitted update in regard to the Cowal booklet aimed at promoting the Dial-a-bus service. The Contract Officer confirmed that there would be no intention to print booklets in order to reduce risks posed by covid-19 but they were looking into options for displaying information on screens in waiting rooms in care homes and doctors surgeries. Discussion focused on those who do not have access to internet and/or do not attend doctors surgeries etc. It was confirmed that this service was based on doctor referrals and individuals can contact West Coast Motors direct to request the service.

Outcome

The Forum;

1)    noted the position;

2)    agreed that the Contract Officer would email the booklet to the Forum to be cascaded to community councils; and

3)    agreed that the Contract Officer would inform the Forum on the locations of the information boards and would accept suggestions based on  local knowledge.

The Forum discussed the Cowal booklet aimed at promoting the Dial-a-bus service.

Outcome

The Forum agreed to ask Officers for an update on the production of the booklet and if available, to circulate the booklet to the Forum.

Martin Arnold introduced Marta Zawadzka to the Forum.  Marta had recently been appointed as the Council’s new Community Transport Officer and one of her first tasks would be to put together a Cowal booklet aimed at promoting the Dial-a-bus service.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update and welcomed Marta to the meeting.

Due to staff shortages through long term sickness and retirals, Roads and Amenity Services have not, as yet, produced a Cowal booklet advertising the Dial-a-Bus.  The Community Transport Officer’s post will be out on MyJobScotland soon, once appointed the service will proceed with booklet production.

This will be advertised when new booklets for the Cowal area are produced – likely in April/May 2019. Consideration will be given to producing a special leaflet for the Dial-a-Bus service separate to the entry in the Cowal Area Booklet.

Outcome

The Forum requested that all advertising material be circulated to the Group to enable members to promote the service.

Martin Arnold provided the following update:

Following calls from the Forum to better publicise the Dial-A-Bus, Public Transport will be liaising with the Communications team to put out information on social media and will be looking to produce a flyer for distribution to GP’s surgeries, hospitals, sheltered housing, befrienders groups etc. The Dial-A-Bus will continue to feature in the Cowal area transport booklet.